When Shade spotted his neighbor in the lively courtyard, Smith Old Gentleman was speaking with a gentleman who clearly had the features of someone from the south. With guests walking about everywhere, the two stood beside a long table chatting, utterly unremarkable.
Out of politeness, Shade did not go over to disturb them. However, Mister Smith unexpectedly called out to him and, after Shade approached, introduced him:
"This is Baron Hans Fuller, who came from the Kassenric United Kingdom with Princess Margaret and works in the United Kingdom's financial department. Baron Fuller, this is Sir Hamilton of Leijed, my neighbor."
"Good evening, Baron."
Shade spoke in Delarion Language and shook hands with the elderly gentleman, who was tall and thin, with deeply sunken eyes.
"Good evening, Sir. Since arriving in Tobesk, it seems I have heard people discussing your stories everywhere."
He had probably mistaken Shade for some sort of social butterfly among Tobesk's nobility.
Holding a wineglass, Mister Smith said to Shade:
"Just now, this southern gentleman and I were discussing the financial issues of our two nations over the years. Since the end of the full-scale war, both countries' economies have developed rapidly over recent decades. One need only look at annual tax revenues to see how prosperous things have become. But we each have our own views on the future economic conditions of our nations. Mr. Hamilton, what do you think?"
The two elderly gentlemen both held wineglasses. Mister Smith was asking the question, while Baron Fuller studied Shade with curiosity.
Shade knew they wanted to hear another perspective, so after giving it some thought, he offered his own opinion:
"Economic growth is not only due to peace, but also to technological innovation."
"The Steam Engine?"
Mister Smith asked, then nodded.
"Yes. Technology drives the economy."
"More